Does your job demand that you stare at a computer screen for hours at a time? If so, eyestrain may become a serious problem. A newly released story by the everon small-business blog says that workers plugged into their computers can face a host of problems, from watery eyes to headaches, increased sensitivity to light and difficulty focusing. The good news? Avoiding eyestrain is actually quite easy, even if you have to stare at the monitor for eight hours. The everon blog provided some simple methods for reducing the unwanted effects of eyestrain.
20/20/20 Rule
What’s the key to avoiding eyestrain? Employees merely have to follow the 20/20/20 rule. Every 20 minutes, employees need to turn away from their computer screens for 20 seconds. They should then look at an object or image that stands at least 20 feet away. This remarkably simple exercise will help keep eyestrain at bay. And it could make employees more efficient. And, furthermore, everon found several worthy apps that can remind employees of when it’s time to take an eye break.
Workrave
Nevertheless how do you remember to take these breaks? Fortuitously, everon lists several apps that will help. For example, there’s Workrave, which sends a message on your screen when it’s time to take your micro-break. Workrave also suggests specific exercises that will help keep your eyes healthy. If you don’t like this app, you can also try EyeLeo, in which an animated leopard guides you through short exercises for your eyes. EyeLeo will blank out your computer screen when it’s time to have a break.
Coffee Break
There’s also the Coffee Break app, though it’s only available for Apple. This app will steadily darken your screen as a reminder your break is coming up. When the break arrives, your screen is totally dark, and it’s time to step away from the computer. Of course, not even Coffee Break can force you to give your eyes a rest. That’s up to you. Here’s hoping you don’t skip those necessary eye breaks.